Records show that racing took place in North Staffordshire as early as 1841 Highfield Park in Leek. The meeting was held intermittently until the final meet on 9th August 1870.

Elsewhere in the North Staffs region other meetings took place, notably in Stoke on Trent from the mid 1850's until the final recorded meet on 7th August 1860.

Key Questions still to be answered:-

• Where exactly was the course situated?

• What shape and distance was it?

• What remains of the course today?

• Can anyone provide a map, badge or racecard from the course?

I am grateful to Stephen McCurrie for the scan of the very rare poster advertising races at the Birchall Dale Course on the outskirts of Leek. It was a two day meeting on Monday 6th and Tuesday 7th of August 1883, and was organised by the North Staffordshire Flat and Hurdles Committee.

The races on the first day were;

• The Moorland Stakes - For ponies not exceeding 14 hands 2 inches high

• The Churnet Valley Stakes - For horses of every description

• The Licensed Victualler's Purse - For Half-bred Horses

• The Birchall Stakes - For ponies not exceeding 14 hands

• The North Staffordshire Hunt Hurdle Race - For horses of any description

The races on the second day were;

• The Ladies' Purse Handicap - For ponies not exceeding 14 hands 2 inches high

• The Tally Ho! Handicap - For Half-bred Horses

• The North Staffordshire Handicap - For horses of every description

• The Wall Grange Handicap - For ponies not exceeding 14 hands

• The Tradesmen's Handicap Hurdle Race - For horses of every description

Racing at a range of venues throughout North Staffs continued, certainly from 1878 to the date shown on the racing poster shown opposite.

If you can provide further information about this racecourse then email   johnslusar@fsmail.net